NEW YORK, NY – September 26, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), proudly announced today that NBA 2K7 for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system is now shipping to stores across North America. The top-rated NBA simulation title* continues to deliver stunning visual quality, unparalleled gameplay, and unique innovations that are a trademark of 2K Sports titles.
“Without a doubt, this is definitely our finest basketball effort to date and possibly the finest sports title we’ve made,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “NBA 2K7 delivers the next generation details that sports gamers have wanted. The development team has worked extremely hard to not only set a new standard in visual quality, but also develop new gameplay features that we believe will set a new standard for the next generation of sports games.”
NBA 2K7 showcases the dynamic movements of every single NBA player with the introduction of Signature Style, featuring over 300 unique animations in jumpshots, dunks, dribbles and passes. Athletes in NBA 2K7 look and move exactly like their real-life counterparts, and display the same tendencies and behaviors, bringing intelligence and realism to the next level. Improved arena atmosphere includes enhanced lighting effects and dynamic 3D crowd behaviors, and over 30 new gameplay cameras.
NBA 2K7 brings the most comprehensive game modes for any sports game including 24/7: NEXT, an entertaining Streetball story mode with unique basketball challenges; a completely redesigned Create Player system; and the Association, the most complete franchise mode that includes three-team trades, progressive fatigue and more.
2K Sports continues to lead the online charge with the most comprehensive online features for NBA 2K7, including improved online stat tracking, online tournament features, and the addition of online fantasy leagues.
NBA 2K7 is available for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft for $59.99, and for the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system for $29.99. NBA 2K7 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system will also be coming this holiday season.
For more information click on www.2ksports.com
*According to GameRankings.com average scores of 2003-2006 basketball video games.
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – September 26, 2006 – The chance to play with complete control over all of the dazzling passes, signature dunks, jump shots and free throw routines of your favorite NBA stars in the world’s best-selling* basketball video game became a reality today after Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) shipped NBA LIVE 07 to stores throughout North America.
Developed by EA Canada, NBA LIVE 07 features NBA superstar Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets on its cover, and it is available on the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game systems from Microsoft, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, mobile and PC. It will ship to stores in North America on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system on September 27th.
On Wednesday, September 27, McGrady and Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs, who is featured on NBA LIVE 07 packaging in France , will help launch NBA LIVE 07 at the world’s only NBA Store on 5th Avenue in New York City . Beginning at 1:00 pm Eastern Time, the first 150 fans who have registered to pre-purchase the game from the NBA Store will receive an autographed copy of the game from McGrady and Parker and have the opportunity to meet the players.
Outside North America, NBA LIVE 07 will be available to stores worldwide on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 with Parker and Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns on the cover in France, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks on the cover in Germany and Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies on the cover in Spain. McGrady is featured on the cover in North America and all other territories.
This year NBA LIVE 07 introduces ESPN Motion and streaming ESPN radio podcasts delivered right to your console in game through a ground-breaking new ESPN integration package available on the Xbox 360™ and PlayStation®3 consoles. Fans connected online will be able to watch NBA game highlights, segments from Pardon the Interruption or Around the Horn, interviews and analysis from SportsCenter, and more. Fans will also be able to download and listen to ESPN radio podcasts as they play NBA LIVE 07, including segments from Dan Patrick, Mike & Mike, Stephen A. Smith and others. All this is in addition to live ESPN Radio SportsCenter updates every 20 minutes, the ESPN Ticker and ESPN News.
Legendary broadcaster Marv Albert and former Chicago Bulls star Steve Kerr call all the action from the best seats in the house as you take your game to the highest level in NBA LIVE 07. With all-new EA SPORTS™ Total Freestyle Control and revolutionary gameplay — complete with ultra-realistic moves and player emotions –the highly acclaimed basketball video game from the EA SPORTS brand plays as good as it looks. Pull off moves only the pros perform as you replicate the styles of your favorite NBA players. Elevate to the rim for an electrifying dunk and bring the crowd to its feet, or look to your superstars to shift momentum with the game on the line. Featuring all-new levels of ability for your EA SPORTS Freestyle Superstars, the power to switch their skills on-the-fly, and advancements to fan-favorite features like All-Star Weekend and Dynasty Mode™, the hardwood is yours for the taking in NBA LIVE 07.
Developed in Vancouver , B.C., by EA Canada, NBA LIVE 07 is scheduled for release on the PlayStation®3 later this year. Learn more about the game at http://nbalive07.com or download new screenshots at http://info.ea.com.
* Based on total franchise sales according to NPD Data.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (September 26, 2006) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. delivers a drift racing experience like no other, as The Fast and the Furious™ ships for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system and is now available in retail outlets nationwide. The Fast and the Furious is rated ‘T’ for Teen by the entertainment software ratings board (ESRB), and is now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $39.99.
“The almost endless customization, the revolutionary drift model and the Japanese Tuner, Classic Muscle and Concept cars featured in The Fast and the Furious video game make this the most authentic drift racing experience yet,” said Makoto Iwai, Senior Vice President of Development at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “The exclusive promotion with NASA is an additional element that allows consumers to truly enter the world of drift racing with a real-life experience.”
Available inside each copy of The Fast and the Furious video game, customers will receive a $50.00 coupon to be used toward any NASA High Performance Driving Event in the country. Fans will have a real-life opportunity to experience the type of driving seen in the game, but in a controlled and safe environment. Consumers can drive their very own car on some of America’s most famous road courses in a safe environment with no speed limits, no pedestrians, and no tickets!
Inspired by the events of the Universal Pictures’ film and Universal Studios Home Entertainment DVD release of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, available on store shelves today, The Fast and the Furious video game features a ground-breaking drift mechanic that makes drifting accessible to both beginning and veteran racing game drivers. Gameplay features revolutionary new systems like the Drift Indicator that make The Fast and the Furious the most accessible realistic drift game yet. Perched at the forefront of the drift racing phenomenon, the video game features a Revolutionary Drift Model that is fun and approachable for players of all skill levels; model cars, cinematic camera angles straight from the movie, unique boss challenges, stunning visuals with over 100 JDM Tuner, Classic Muscle and Concept cars as well as robust customization options all of which encompass the drift racing world!
#1 Rated Basketball Simulation Game Series To Retail At $29.99 on Xbox® video game and entertainment system and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and $59.99 for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system
NBA 2K7, the latest in the top-rated* NBA simulation video game series, has gone gold and is set to hit retail shelves on September 26th. NBA 2K7 introduces new standard setting features like Signature Style, improved Shot Stick™ control, enhanced arena atmosphere, online fantasy leagues, and much more.
“I’m very excited and proud of our finest basketball video game title to date,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “NBA 2K7 truly delivers the next generation features in both graphics and gameplay that sports gamers have been wanting for years. I’m really pleased with the hard work and creative thinking our development team has put into this title.”
NBA 2K7 showcases the movement of every single NBA player with the introduction of Signature Style that features over 300 unique animations in jumpshots, dunks, dribbles, and passes. Athletes not only look and move exactly like their real-life counterparts, but will display the same tendencies and behaviors during a game. Improved arena atmosphere includes enhanced lighting and full 3D crowds with their own behavior, and over 30 new gameplay cameras bring the game to life like never before.
NBA 2K7 delivers a wealth of comprehensive gameplay modes including 24/7: NEXT, a new entertaining Streetball story mode with new basketball challenges, a brand new Create Player system, and the Association, the most complete franchise mode that includes three-team trades, progressive fatigue and more.
The integration of music in NBA 2K7 is without peer as the soundtrack, produced by highly acclaimed music producer Dan The Automator, features artists like Mos Def, Fabolous, Hieroglyphics, Tribe Called Quest and many more.
With seamless online play and the most comprehensive online feature set anywhere including complete online stat tracking, online tournaments, and new online fantasy drafted leagues, 2K Sports continues to lead the online gaming revolution.
NEW YORK, NY – September 14, 2006 – 2K Sports, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTWO), announced today new standard-setting features for NBA 2K7. NBA 2K7, the highest rated NBA simulation video game series*, delivers a new benchmark in high-level visual player details with Signature Style player animations. NBA 2K7 also enhances the overall NBA atmosphere with hyper-detailed arenas, enhanced arena lighting, and numerous new camera angles to truly deliver the next generation of basketball video games.
Signature Style elevates next generation animation and adds new level of gameplay strategies as gamers adjust to the different shooting styles of each NBA player. Whether it’s Shaquille O’Neal’s two-handed drop step dunk, Steve Nash’s dribble, Gilbert Arenas’ wrap around the waist free throw routine, Richard Hamilton adjusting his face mask, Allen Iverson’s crossover move, or Shawn Marion’s fadeaway jumpshot, Signature Style comprises over 300 unique animations in shooting, dribbling, and dunking in NBA 2K7.
“Gamers will appreciate the attention to detail to all NBA players in NBA 2K7,” stated Greg Thomas, president of Visual Concepts, a 2K Sports studio. “Utilizing the power of next generation systems, 2K Sports is taking the first steps in bringing the details that sports fans have been looking for in their sports video games. In NBA 2K7, NBA players are recognizable by sight, and through Signature Style, gamers will be able to distinguish NBA players by their movement, positioning, shooting animations, and behavior. 2K Sports is setting the standard with NBA 2K7.”
The level of detail has also been dramatically enhanced around the players, as NBA 2K7 features hyper-detail to every NBA arena. New lighting effects have been authentically replicated to give each court its own look and character. New crowd reactions and animations deliver more life to each of the games, as well as new arena specific elements of mascot animations, dance team performances, and much more. Lastly, users can experience the game with over 30 new camera angles ranging from the birds-eye view from the upper-level seats, to the eye level view from the coach’s cam. All of these cameras are further customizable to any gamer preference, giving gamers hundreds of new ways to watch the best NBA simulation video game for the next generation.
NBA 2K7 will be available for the Xbox 360™ and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in September 2006, and will be available in holiday 2006 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system**. More standard-setting features will be detailed in the near future.
Redwood City, Calif. – Tuesday, September 12, 2006 – The golden age of console hockey returns! Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced that the NHL® 07 videogame ships to retailers in North America today under the EA SPORTS™ brand. In stores just in time for the opening of NHL training camps, NHL 07 allows players to feel like they can play like a pro without ever touching the ice.
Featuring an unmatched level of freedom and control, NHL 07 represents a watershed moment in the history of the console hockey. The revolutionary EA SPORTS Skill Stick gives users the power to play in the game as it is on the ice, without taking their thumbs off the analog sticks. The left analog functions as your skates and the right as your hockey stick to give you a skill-based execution with an intuitive feel.
Stunning new presentation, AI enhancements and animation overhauls create players who look, act and play like they would in the NHL. Gone are the days when a one-timer was the only way to score in a hockey videogame. Now look to your teammates and know how to best use their strengths with New Player-Specific Behaviors. Be the Playmaker and find your Sniper open in the slot, or let your Dangler make pylons out of the defense.
Off the ice, act as the General Manager in an enhanced Dynasty Mode™. Do whatever it takes to meet an owner’s expectations by properly managing rosters and using your creativity to fit player salaries under the new cap. Whether you’re running the front office or dominating the rink, NHL 07 is the most realistic hockey video game ever created.
Santa Monica, CA – August 29, 2006 – Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that award-winning composers Chance Thomas (Peter Jackson’s King Kong, Lord of the Rings series), Cris Velasco (God of War) and Mark Griskey (Best of LucasArts Original Soundtrack) have scored the upcoming, critically-acclaimed Marvel™: Ultimate Alliance video game. The trio has produced over 50 minutes of original music for Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, including arrangements for multiple game levels, the in-game cinematics and the Super Hero™ and boss battle themes.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance is Raven Software’s highly anticipated action/RPG that allows players to create their Marvel dream team from the largest roster of Super Heroes ever in an epic quest that will determine the fate of Earth and the Marvel Universe. With over 140 popular Marvel characters and a playable cast of more than 20 Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade and Captain America, gamers will embark on a dangerous journey across exotic terrain and well-known comic book locations like Atlantis, the Shield Heli-Carrier and the Skrull home world in an attempt to defy Dr. Doom and the world’s most notorious Super Villains.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance will be the first Super Hero game available this fall for all next-gen gaming systems. Additionally, the game will be available for current-gen consoles, handheld and PC platforms, and carries a “T” (Teen – Mild Language, Violence) rating by the ESRB.
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (August 22, 2006) – Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that Pac-Man World Rally™ has shipped and is available in retail outlets nationwide for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo GameCube™ and PC.
Developed by Smart Bomb Interactive, Pac-Man World Rally puts players behind the wheel to race through a variety of Pac-Man World environments as Pac-Man®, Jr. Pac-Man and other famous Namco characters such as Mr. Driller®, Mappy® and the Prince from Katamari Damacy™. In the fastest and most exciting kart racing game ever, players can race for the win or fight it out in colorful Battle Arenas with unique weapons, power-ups and a variety of Pac-Man powers. The newest installment in the franchise also includes the villains of Pac-Man World: Toc-Man, Spooky, Erwin – and introduces the most evil of them all, Pac-Devil!
“Pac-Man World Rally gives fans of all ages the opportunity to enjoy the franchise’s first-ever kart racer,” said John Whitmore, Director of Internal/External Development at NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. “The game’s roster of popular classic characters, challenging tracks and finely tuned power sliding mechanics are sure to deliver an unforgettable gameplay experience.”
Players will experience an unprecedented sense of speed as they race against their friends or the computer on fun and exciting new tracks with unique new kart racing features, including:
* Play as Pac-Man and other famous Namco characters! – Play as the iconic characters from the Pac-Man universe, or choose from an all-star cast of classic Namco characters such as Pooka, Fygar, Mr. Driller and more!
* The most outrageous Battle Mode ever seen in kart racing! – Pac-Man and friends have a whole new set of weapons to duke it out in custom single-player and multiplayer Battle Arenas!
* The Pac-Mobile! – No matter what character you choose, if you eat enough Pac Dots on the track you can transform into the giant Pac-Mobile and gobble up the competition!
* Shortcuts galore! – Keep your eyes peeled for Pac-Man’s classic fruit power-ups – they open hidden Fruit Doors that will catapult you into the lead!
Company Also Discloses Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol’s Chart-Topping Song List Featuring 40 Songs Including All-Time Classics, Contemporary Favorites, And Hits From The Television Show
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 23, 2006 – Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., caught up with American Idol’s famous judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson to get their comments about the upcoming video game Karaoke Revolution®Presents: American Idol for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Gamers will not only come face-to-face with Cowell and Jackson as they rate performances and provide feedback, but Konami’s groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) inside the game will also enable them to critique specific parts of any performance, a first in the award-winning video game’s history.
“Over the years American Idol has produced some amazingly talented singers, but let’s be honest most of the people who turn up for the auditions are useless,” said Simon Cowell. “For anyone who wants to know what it’s like to audition in front of me, now you’re about to find out. This game is a great representation of American Idol.”
“The number one show on television and the top karaoke video game around – wow, this is going to be big time!” said Randy Jackson. “It’s amazing what Konami has accomplished in making this game look and feel like the TV show.”
“Our goal with Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol is to deliver the experience of being a contestant on the television program. Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have become synonymous with the show and having them as part of this game adds one more layer of authenticity,” said Matt Knoles, Product Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. “Cowell’s and Jackson’s presence goes beyond just their likenesses. With the addition of our groundbreaking AI, their personality will really be felt in the game as they critique specific parts of a player’s performance.”
Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol lets players sing and perform using a USB headset/microphone, as they compete through a fully recreated virtual season of the number one show on television. In their quest to become the next American Idol, players can take part in auditions, earn an invitation to Hollywood and compete through the Semi-Finals and Finals stages just like on the popular television show. As players progress through the game, comments from the individual judges, both positive and sometimes outrageously negative, affect whether or not they move on to the next round of competition. Additionally, Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol offers support for the EyeToy USB Camera (for PlayStation®2). By utilizing the EyeToy Camera, players can put themselves into the game by creating a 3D model of their head, and watch themselves perform on big video screens within the 3D venues.
As they attempt to be named the next American Idol, Konami is providing gamers a selection of 40 songs, including all-time classics, contemporary favorites and, of course, hits from the television program. Selections include songs and video footage of performances from former Idols of the past 5 seasons. The list of songs also include an eclectic variety of genres from contemporary R&B and pop to classic hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
“The song list was carefully chosen to ensure that there was something for every taste and generation. We want to give everyone the opportunity to perform their favorites as they attempt to become the next American Idol,” said Knoles. “With signature songs from former American Idol contestants, faithfully designed American Idol venues and a variety of single- and multi-player game modes, Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol is the closest players can get to being on stage without going to an audition.”
The complete list of song titles included in Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol is:
* All My Life
* Alone
* (There’s) Always Something There To Remind Me
* Be Without You
* Breakaway
* Build Me Up Buttercup
* Can’t Help Falling In Love
* Crazy Little Thing Called Love
* Dilemma
* Do I Make You Proud
* Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me
* Don’t You Want Me
* Easy
* Every Rose Has Its Thorn
* Flying Without Wings
* Heartbreaker
* Heaven
* Hungry Like The Wolf
* If You Don’t Know Me By Now
* It’s Not Unusual
* Just The Way You Are
* Let’s Stay Together
* Love Will Keep Us Together
* More Than Words
* Photograph
* Piano Man
* Proud Mary Rock With You
* Saving All My Love ForYou
* She Bangs
* Stand By Me
* Stickwitu
* Straight Up
* Sugar, We’re Going Down
* The Real Thing
* Total Eclipse Of The Heart
* Unwritten
* What A Girl Wants
* You And Me
* You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling
REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – August 22, 2006 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced that Madden NFL 07, the newest iteration of the EA SPORTS™ best-selling football franchise with the exclusive videogame license of the NFL and PLAYERS INC, is in stores everywhere today. Madden NFL 07 continues to lead with innovation and gameplay by reinventing the running game with the all-new Lead Blocker Control and the new highlight stick so you can run like the real players run. NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame mode comes to Madden NFL 07 this year, where you can live the life of an NFL Superstar.
Madden NFL 06¸ since its launch, has sold more than 6.5 million copies*, and was the #1 selling videogame of 2005 in North America. Madden NFL Football has become a cultural phenomenon, with more than 51 million copies sold (LTD), and the launch day becoming a holiday for many avid fans.
“Madden NFL Football has become a cultural phenomenon and, with Maddenoliday, we are honoring all the Madden gamers across the country who line up at midnight and then take off the day to play Madden NFL 07,” said Todd Sitrin, VP of marketing for EA Tiburon and EA SPORTS brand. “We continue to bring innovative changes to the game every year, and now with the improvements in the running game, Madden NFL 07 is even more authentic. You will know how it feels to be actually on the field playing with the pros.”
You now control the running game like never before with Lead Blocker Control in Madden NFL 07. For the first time ever, step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback and smash through, overpower, or slash away from would-be tacklers as you fight for every yard. Innovative rushing controls give you a game-breaking ground attack featuring all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs.
NFL Superstar: Hall of Fame mode makes its debut in Madden NFL 07 on the Xbox 360 and is even deeper for the current generation systems. You can create and customize your own player and guide him one Sunday at a time from that position on the field for an all new way of experiencing the game. Madden NFL 07 Franchise Mode is deeper than ever before. On current generation platforms, now scout collegiate prospects with the all-new NFL Draft Scouting System and the College All-Star Game, or watch players around the NFL impact their teams with the new Franchise Player Roles feature. On Xbox 360, participate in an interactive player rehab through mini games.
For the Xbox 360 there is an all-new Mini-Camp mode where you can build up your players attributes by running him through skill-based, combine-type mini-games. In the off-season use Mini-Camp to condition players or rehab injuries to get back on the field faster. Track your career accomplishments in Franchise Mode to earn Madden Gamer Points, then risk your points against the computer or live opponents in the same room.
In its second installment on the PlayStation® Portable system, Madden NFL 07 brings you a new exclusive mini-games — return kicks, avoid tackles, and players can aim for the high score in “End 2 End.” And for the first time you can transfer an entire season in Franchise mode from your PlayStation®2 to your PSP system.
September 1 in Denver, CO is the kick off to the highly-anticipated 5th annual EA SPORTS™ Madden Challenge, played exclusively this year on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, with a $100,000 grand prize check for the Finals winner. Void where prohibited. Eligibility Restrictions Apply. Tournament runs on published dates in each city. For additional details and Tournament Official Rules see www.maddenchallenge.com.
Entering its 17th year and with more than 51 million copies sold life to date, Madden NFL Football continues to stand out as the most popular football videogame franchise of all time with a combination of innovative new features and the most authentic football gameplay. Developed in Orlando, FL by EA Tiburon Madden NFL 07 will be available on August 22 on Xbox 360™ videogame and entertainment system, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, PC (as well as www.downloader.ea.com), PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and Game Boy® Advance. Madden NFL 07 is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB and has an MSRP of $59.99 for the Xbox 360, $49.99 for the PlayStation 2 console and Xbox, $39.99 for Nintendo GameCube, PSP, and PC, $29.99 for Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. In Europe, Madden NFL 07 launches on PS2, Xbox, NDS, PC, PC Downloader August 25 and on Xbox 360 and PSP September 8. For more information check out www.madden07.com.
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